Florida Elder Abuse Laws, a better understanding

Elder abuse is a general term used to describe certain types of harm to older adults. Other terms commonly used include: elder mistreatment, senior abuse, abuse in later life, abuse of older adults, abuse of older women, and abuse of older men.

One of the more commonly accepted definitions of elder abuse is a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, that occurs within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person. This definition has been adopted by the World Health Organisation from a definition put forward by Action on Elder Abuse in the UK.

FLORIDA ELDER ABUSE LAWS

The core feature of this definition is that it focuses on harms where there is expectation of trust of the older person toward their abuser. Thus it includes harms by people the older person knows or with whom they have a relationship, such as a spouse, partner or family member, a friend or neighbor, or people that the older person relies on for services. Many forms of elder abuse are recognized as types of domestic violence or family violence. Elder abuse situations can vary, it is always best to speak with one of our Attorneys to gain a better understanding.